Alright, let's dive into a head-to-head comparison of the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 and its slightly more advanced sibling, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G. I'll be putting on my tech journalist hat, translating the spec sheet into real-world implications, and helping you figure out which of these might be the right fit for you.
1. Specifications Breakdown
Here's a detailed look at how these two phones stack up, focusing on the specs that truly matter for daily use:
| Feature | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 | Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G | Real-World Implications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design | |||
| Dimensions | 165.9 x 76.2 x 8 mm, 188g | 164.2 x 76.1 x 8.1 mm, 201.8g | Note 12 is slightly taller and lighter; Pro 4G is a tad shorter, wider and heavier. Weight difference might be noticeable over long periods. |
| Build | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass 3 | Plastic frame, Gorilla Glass 5 | Pro 4G offers superior screen protection; More resistant to scratches and minor impacts. |
| Display | |||
| Size | 6.67" | 6.67" | Both offer the same large screen, great for media consumption and gaming. |
| Resolution | 1080x2400 | 1080x2400 | Sharp and clear images for both phones. |
| PPI | 395 | 395 | Both are equally pixel-dense, offering a crisp display experience. |
| Technology | AMOLED | AMOLED | Vibrant colors and deep blacks on both screens. Great contrast and wide viewing angles. |
| Refresh Rate | 120Hz | 120Hz | Smooth scrolling and animations on both; Ideal for fast-paced games and social media browsing. |
| Peak Brightness | 1200 nits | 1200 nits | Both offer excellent visibility even in direct sunlight. |
| Performance | |||
| Chipset | Snapdragon 4 Gen 1 (6nm) | Snapdragon 732G (8nm) | The Note 12 has a slightly newer and more power-efficient chipset; Pro 4G chipset is older but powerful enough for daily use. |
| AnTuTu Score | 460,800 | 397,200 | Note 12 should perform better in benchmarks with a higher AnTuTu score, for smoother operation and gaming. |
| GPU | Adreno 619 | Adreno 618 | Note 12's slightly newer GPU should deliver marginally better graphics performance. |
| Camera | |||
| Main Camera | 48MP, f/1.8, 1/2.76" | 108MP, f/1.9, 1/1.52" | Pro 4G boasts a higher resolution sensor and slightly larger sensor, offering more detail and better low-light performance. |
| Selfie Camera | 13MP, f/2.45, 1.12 µm | 16MP, f/2.45, 1.00µm | Pro 4G should capture slightly better selfies thanks to the higher resolution. |
| Ultrawide Camera | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/4" | 8MP, f/2.2, 1/2.8" | Pro 4G has a slightly larger sensor, potentially capturing slightly better ultrawide shots. |
| Portrait mode (depth) | Not Available | 2MP, f/2.4 | Pro 4G offers dedicated depth sensing for better portrait mode pictures, giving a more natural and smoother bokeh effect. |
| Macro Camera | 2MP, f/2.4 | 5MP, f/2.4 | Pro 4G’s Macro lens should give slightly better close-up details |
| Video Recording | 1080p@30fps | 4K@30fps, 1080p@30/60fps | Pro 4G can shoot much higher quality 4K video; Better for capturing high definition footage, Note 12 only offers full hd capabilities. |
| DXOMark (Mobile) | 69 (Photo: 74, Video: 49) | Not Available | Redmi Note 12 achieved a decent overall score for its camera in the tests performed. |
| Battery Life | |||
| Capacity | 5000mAh | 5020mAh | Both phones offer similar battery sizes; Expect similar all-day battery performance with moderate use. |
| Charging | 33W Fast Charging | 67W Fast Charging | Pro 4G charges significantly faster, meaning less time tethered to the wall. |
| Features | Non-removable | Reverse Charging, Non-removable | Note 12 lacks reverse charging, Pro 4G can act as power bank for other devices if needed. |
| Software | |||
| OS | Android 12 | Android 11 | Note 12 comes with a slightly newer version of android, therefore receiving more updated features and security patches for longer. |
| Audio | |||
| Quality | Basic audio features | Hi-Res Audio, Stereo Speakers | Pro 4G has better sound reproduction due to Hi-Res Audio support and dual stereo speakers for an immersive audio experience. |
2. Key Insights
Redmi Note 12:
- Strengths:
- Slightly newer and more efficient chipset (Snapdragon 4 Gen 1) for better overall performance and power saving, reflected in better benchmark scores.
- More updated Android 12 out of the box.
- Competitive Advantages:
- Offers similar day to day performance as the pro model while being lighter in weight.
- Has better GPS with additional satelite system support for better accuracy.
- Trade-offs:
- Significantly slower charging speeds, will have to keep it plugged in longer.
- Lacks 4k video recording.
- Inferior camera setup, with less resolution and smaller sensor.
Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G:
- Strengths:
- Significantly better primary camera with more detail and a larger sensor. Better low-light performance.
- Much faster 67W charging capability which will get you up and running quicker.
- Hi-Res Audio and stereo speakers for a more immersive sound experience.
- Superior video recording quality, 4K capabilities.
- Better build quality with Gorilla Glass 5.
- Competitive Advantages:
- More well-rounded experience with faster charging, better camera, build quality and sound.
- Reverse charging for charging other devices.
- Trade-offs:
- Heavier than the Redmi Note 12.
- Older chipset.
3. User Profiles and Recommendations
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12:
- Ideal for: Casual users, students, or anyone looking for an affordable device for everyday tasks like browsing, social media, and media consumption.
- Use Cases: A great daily driver for those who prioritize battery life and decent performance, without needing the best-in-class camera or advanced features. Good for gaming, thanks to the newer chip.
- Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G:
- Ideal for: Users who value a better camera, faster charging, and superior audio output.
- Use Cases: Perfect for content creators, photography enthusiasts, and those who watch lots of videos or listen to music on their phone.
4. Buying Decision Framework
Before you pull the trigger on either of these, consider these questions:
- Do you prioritize battery charging time over camera quality?
- If yes, go for Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G.
- If not, the Redmi Note 12 could be a better choice.
- Are you a heavy video recorder?
- If yes, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G with its 4K video capabilities is the clear winner.
- If not, either phone will provide serviceable video quality.
- Do you value a slightly more powerful chipset for gaming?
- If yes, the Redmi Note 12 is better equipped with the newer chipset.
- If not, the Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G still can handle most games and daily tasks well.
The Final Verdict
For me, the Xiaomi Redmi Note 12 Pro 4G is the clear winner. While the slightly older chipset and the added weight are slight drawbacks, the significantly better camera, the rapid charging, the enhanced audio experience, and the Gorilla Glass 5 screen protection makes it the superior phone. The ability to capture high-quality 4K video and the convenience of reverse charging are also features I'd find incredibly useful.
Ultimately, it depends on your priorities and budget, but for a more well-rounded experience that caters to a broader range of needs, I'd lean towards the Pro 4G.
